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Certified Lay Minister

Updated April 2017

Laity have long been a part of ministry in Methodism. Lay preachers, exhorters, and class leaders have served the church since its earliest days. The certified lay minister is "called and equipped to conduct public worship, care for the congregation, assist in program leadership, develop new and existing faith communities, preach the word, lead small groups, or establish community outreach ministries as part of a ministry team with the supervision and support of a clergyperson.” (2016 BOD ¶268.1)

Laypersons who are engaged in children's ministry may now pursue credentialing as a Certified Lay Minister with a specialization in Children's Faith Formation in cooperation with the Office of Children's Ministries at Discipleship Ministries.

Additional Information

A CLM is a unique, recognized lay servant in the UMC. A CLM is intended for missional leadership in churches as part of a team ministry under the supervision of a clergyperson. As part of the historic continuation of lay leadership in our church, a CLM resembles earlier Exhorters, Class Leaders, Lay Preachers, and Missioners. CLMs are assigned by the District Superintendent and operate under a system of training, support, supervision and accountability. Learn more about how a CLM is different from other recognized ministers »